Saturday, October 22, 2022 / by Teresa DiPeso
Wildwoods Island Christmas & Holiday Events
With so many festive activities and holiday events planned in the Wildwoods, there are plenty of ways to experience the spirit of the season and create new family holiday memories. With lower room rates available, book your stay in the Wildwoods and experience the many ways to make the holiday season special for you and your whole family.
If relaxation is on your holiday bucket list, there's plenty of "chill" activities to enjoy. Be awed by mother nature with a mesmerizing sunrise and morning stroll along the beach; grab your walking shoes and binoculars and spend a day wandering through a local nature preserve; or enjoy a relaxing bike ride on the famous Wildwoods Boardwalk or a romantic stroll along the water's edge. And end the day with an awe-inspiring, spectacular sunset viewed from the banks of the beautiful Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest.
Local wineries, craft microbreweries and distilleries offer local wines, beers and spirits not found anywhere else and are located just minutes away.
The 2022 line-up of holiday events taking place in the Wildwoods includes five weekends of family fun events:
Saturday, November 19
Gratitude Fest
Taking place at 6111 New Jersey Avenue in Wildwood Crest. Enjoy an outdoor festival from 10 am - 3 pm featuring artists, creatives and holiday gift vendors of all kinds.
Friday, November 25
Family Holiday Beach Bonfire
Taking place on the beach at 2nd & Surf Avenue in North Wildwood from 5 - 9 pm. Enjoy family fun including music and free photo opportunities with Santa and other winter wonderland characters. Food will be available for purchase. Admission is requested in the form of a donation of $10 for adults, $2 for children 12 and under. The event is hosted by the North Wildwood Volunteer Fire Company #1. Rain date is Saturday, November 26.
Friday, November 25 - Sunday, November 27
Christmas in North Wildwood Weekend Celebration
Enjoy outdoor fire pits, hot chocolate, festive lights, decorations and music while enjoying the holidays in North Wildwood on Friday and Saturday at 4 pm, and Sunday at noon.
Saturday, November 26
Wildwood Holiday Shopping Village / Small Business Saturday
Enjoy an outdoor holiday shopping experience at Byrne Plaza in Downtown Wildwood from 10:30 am - 3:30 pm. There will be local artisans and specialty shops, handcrafted items and decorations, baked goods, boutique shops, entertainment and music, raffle and more! Hosted by the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce. Rain date is Sunday, November 27.
Thursday, December 1
Wildwood Crest Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Taking place at Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest at 6 pm. Enjoy live music, light refreshments, a visit from Santa Claus and more!
Friday, December 2
North Wildwood Tree Lighting Ceremony
Taking place at the Hereford Inlet Lighthouse Courtyard in North Wildwood at 4:30 pm. Christmas tree lighting event includes music, refreshments, free tour of the lighthouse and a visit from Santa Claus.
Friday, December 2
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Christmas Parade
Beginning at the North Wildwood Recreation Center. Registration is at 5 pm. Line up on Central Avenue and step off 16th Avenue at 6:30 pm. Proceed along Central Avenue, then Pacific Avenue to Spicer Avenue, where the parade will turn and proceed to Byrne Plaza. Awards will be announced for floats, and a decorated business lighting contest takes place approximately 7:30 pm at Byrne Plaza. Rain date is Sunday, December 4 with line up at 4 pm and step off at 5 pm.
Friday, December 2
City of Wildwood Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Taking place at Byrne Plaza in Downtown Wildwood at 8 pm, sponsored by the Wildwood Business Improvement District.
Friday, December 2 & Saturday, December 3
Greater Wildwood Jaycees Downtown Wildwood Christmas in the Plaza
Enjoy free carnival rides and holiday merchandise vendors at Byrne Plaza in Downtown Wildwood on Friday from 5 - 9 pm and Saturday from 10 am - 3 pm. Saturday will also feature live music by John Walter Band and story time with Mrs. Claus!
Friday-Saturday, December 9 & 10
Holiday Light Show at Wildwood's Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park
Taking place at 123 E. Andrews Avenue in Wildwood. Enjoy Wildwood's very own Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park. The holiday light show will run every half hour from 5 - 9 pm on Friday, December 9 & 16 and Saturday, December 10 & 17. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn during those special dates, as well as a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus! Lights and decorations will be on display nightly from 6:30 - 7 pm through January 13, 2023.
Saturday, December 10
Family Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Enjoy a family-friendly event at the Wildwoods Convention Center from 9 am - 4:30 pm featuring FREE admission to holiday-themed crafters and movies, photos with Santa, free children's craft making tables, face-painting, a magician, children's choir performances, entertainment by the Avalon String Band and much more! A tree-lighting ceremony will take place outside the Convention Center at 4:30 pm.
Saturday, December 10
Pinch the "GrYnch" Boardwalk 5K Run
The Holiday Boardwalk 5K run and 1-mile walk is fun for all ages. The event starts at 10 am (rain or shine) outside of the Wildwoods Convention Center. Limited to the first 150 participants who register online. Registration is $30 per person or $15 if you donate a new, unwrapped toy for local children in need. For more information, visit www.lunchwithlynch.com/pinch.
Friday, December 16
North Wildwood Family Christmas Celebration
North Wildwood Entertainment District, Old New Jersey Avenue. Come out and enjoy lots of fun family activities, fire pits, holiday hayrides and much more on December 16! Times TBA.
Friday-Saturday, December 16 & 17
Holiday Light Show at Wildwood's Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park
Taking place at 123 E. Andrews Avenue in Wildwood. Enjoy Wildwood's very own Winter Wonderland at Holly Beach Park. The holiday light show will run every half hour from 5 - 9 pm on Friday, December 9 & 16 and Saturday, December 10 & 17. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and popcorn during those special dates, as well as a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Claus! Lights and decorations will be on display nightly from 6:30 - 7 pm through January 13, 2023.
Monday, December 19
Holiday Lights Walk
Taking place at Sunset Lake in Wildwood Crest at 5:30 pm. Take a 30-minute walk along Sunset Lake to view the various holiday and Christmas light displays. The Holiday Lights Walk is FREE but registration is encouraged. To register, email lfarrall@wildwoodcrest.org. Rain date is Tuesday, December 20 at 5:30 pm.
